U.S. Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Ties with Zimbabwe.

As Zimbabwe celebrates 65 years of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), the U.S. Embassy has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing trade, democratic engagement, and educational exchanges with Zimbabwe.

In an interview during a joint broadcast by Skyz Metro FM and Breeze FM, U.S. Embassy Spokesperson Larry Socha outlined a hopeful vision for future collaboration between the two nations.

Socha highlighted the growing engagements, including the presence of U.S. Ambassador Pamela Tremont at ZITF for the first time. “What the United States seeks is serious, substantive engagement with Zimbabwe on issues that matter,trade, economy, and democracy,” said Socha.

In 2024, trade between the U.S. and Zimbabwe totaled approximately $112 million, primarily dominated by agricultural products and mining-related goods.

Socha indicated that the U.S. aims to help Zimbabwe foster a more attractive investment climate, noting recent discussions about establishing a “single window” system to streamline investor services.

The U.S. also emphasized educational and cultural cooperation, referencing initiatives like the Mandela Washington Fellowship and the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs.

Forty Zimbabweans were recently selected for the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship program, strengthening the people-to-people ties that Socha praised as Zimbabwe’s greatest asset.

In addition, Socha clarified misconceptions surrounding sanctions, asserting that Zimbabwe is not a “sanctioned country” in a broad sense, and that barriers to progress lie elsewhere. “The narrative that Zimbabwe is a sanctioned country is false. The real potential lies in its people, and the U.S. stands ready to partner with Zimbabweans toward a prosperous future,” he stated.

With a strong focus on economic reforms, democratic institution-building, and vibrant youth engagement, the U.S.-Zimbabwe relationship appears poised for renewed growth.